Mining apparatus



0.51. 6, 1931. C, F OSGOD 1,826,218

MINING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 24, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 w www @41 :w1 1&1 1@

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Oct. 6, 1931. c. F. osc'sooD 1,825,218

MINING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 24, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l f6 Z 111 :I l w i .j l

Patented Oct. 6, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CHARLES F. OSGOOD, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MA- CHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF IvIASSACHUSETTS MINING APPARATUS Application filed January 24, 1930. Serial No. 423,170.

This invention relates to mining apparatus and more particularly has reference to proved mining apparatus whereby a mining machine, while adapted to use on-its bottom and to be transported from place to place on a self-propelled truck equipped with usual cable reeling mechanism and to be loaded or unloaded as desired, is also: so carried that it may be used when desired as a mounted cutter cutting in advance of the apparatus in a room or entry or as a mounted longwall cutter cutting along a face parallel to the trackway, the invention comprising means whereby these several results may be obtained and the consequent possible range of use of a standard type of mining machine materially increased. Another object is to provide in such an apparatus improved truck propelling means separate from the mining machine for effecting drive of the truck propelling means separate from the mining machine for effecting drive of the truck wheels at either a relatively low cutting speed or a relatively high transport speed. These and other objects of this invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

1n the accompanying drawings there is shown for purposes of illustration one em-l bodiment which the invention may assume in practice.

1n these drawings Fig. 1 is a side Aelevational view of a mining apparatus constructed in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 2 and illustrating the truck wheel driving mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a detail horizontal sectional view illustrating a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic view showing the apparatus in use as a mounted cutter cutting in advance of the same.

Fig. 6 is a similar view showing the apparatus adapted to make a sweeping cut in ad- Vance of the same.

Fig. 7 is a similar View showing the apparatus in use as a mounted longwall machine.

In this illustrative construction the mining apparatus includes a usual form of self-propelled truck 1 mounted on truck wheels 2 adapted to be driven from a mining machine thereon, generally indicated at 3; the wheel driving connections, while capable of assuming different forms, herein including a laterally extending sprocket l on the machine, a chain 5 connecting a corresponding sprocket 6 carried on a transverse truck driving shaft 7 on the rear end of the truck, and a chain connection 8 connected to the truck wheels. The movement of the shaft 7 and truck wheels is controlled from the truck by a suitable friction clutch 9 having a friction controlling lever 10 and also through a brake 11 herein acting directly on the shaft 7 and controlled by a suitable brake lever 12, while current is supplied to the machine 3 from a conductor reel 13 of usual form mounted on the rear portion of the truck and driven from the improved truck driving mechanism on the truck through a belt connection 14.

In the improved construction illustrated the machine 3 is of a well-known standard construction described and claimed in a patent to one Morris l?. Holmes, No. 1,662,787, patented March 13, 1928, and preferably of the longwall type having its bottom 17 freely slidable, as is usual in longwall machines, Aon a mine bottom and suitable feeding mechanism and cutting mechanism, the latter including a pivoted cutter bar. More particularly, it will be noted that the machine motor 18 is herein, as usual, carried substantially midway between the ends of the machine and connected through usual connections with flexible feeding mechanism of any suitable type, herein of the type utilizing a single continuous flexible feeding member 19 adapted to cooperate with a feed operating member 20 herein in the form of a chain sprocket driven in a well-known manner from the rear end of the motor 18 through a friction controlled train separate from the train driving the member 4, all as set forth in the above inentioned patent and indicated in dotted lines in F ig. 2. As shown, the flexible member 19 is also adapted to cooperate with suitable co operating guides 21 on the rear end of the machine and a removable guide or swing arm 22 similar to that disclosed in the patent to Morris P. Holmes, No. 1,704,665, patented March 5, 1929. This guide sheave herein is adapted to be carried in opposite lateral positions on opposite sides of the front end of the machine and ordinarily only being used in cutting in one direction or the other in accordance with the room and pillar system of mini :Referring` more particularly to the cutter carrying end of the machine, it will be noted that a cutter bar is suitably pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot on that end of the machine as on the front head 2&1, and herein also on a front shoe 25, the cutter bar being adapted to be held in different positions relative to the machine frame by means of a locking pin 26 adapted to pass through suitable perforations 27 in the head, certain of which may also receive the swing arm 22, and hold the cutter bar in a plurality of positions Here attention is also directed to the fact that in addition to the usual openings 27 adapted to be used when the bar is oppositely disposed laterally or longitudinally disposed, supplemental openings 28 are herein provided adapted to enable the cutter bar to be disposed angularly midway between its longitudinal position and its lateral positions.

Here attention is again directed to the truck on which it will be noted that the machine 3 above described is suitably supported on a support 29 of any suitable form adapted to support the cutter bar 23 in such a manner relative to the trucl; wheels and the truck frame as to permit the cutter bar to be swung freely laterally at either side of the truck if desired. In the form of the invention illustrated, it will be noted that this support 29 is in the form of a machine receiving member fixed to the truck and having upturned angles 30 on its opposite sides adapted to guide the machine and hold the same from lateral movement, suitable means, herein in the form of a latch mechanism 31, also preferably being provided to prevent unintended longitudinally movement of the machine in either direction relative to the machine receiving member on the trucl. Here, attention is also directed to the fact that the angles 30 do not extend forward as far as usual, but instead are cut-away preferably well in rear of the cutter bar so as to permit free swingng of the latter relative to the truck.

Now referring to the plural speed truck driving mechanism on the truck, it will be noted that the transverse shaft 7 is suitably journaled within bearings 34 carried by a base casting 35 suitably secured to the truck frame. As mentioned above, the sprocket 6 may be operatively connected to the shaft 7 by means of the friction clutch 9, herein of the multiple disc type, having suitable cam operating mechanism including the hand lever 10. Fixed to this transverse shaft 7 is the brake drum 36 of the brake 11 and this brake drum is engaged by a friction band 37 operated by the hand lever 12. Alined with this transverse shaft 7 and connected thereto as by a coupling 3S is a shaft 39 suitably journaled within a base casting 40 suitably secured to the truck frame. Journaled on the shaft 39 is a spur gear a1 connectible with the shaft by a jaw clutch and this gear meshes with a spur gear Keyed to the shaft 39 is a spur pinion i5 meshing with a spur gear 46 secured to a transverse shaft 47 arranged parallel with the shaft 39 and likewise suitably journaled within the base casting 40. Splined at 48 to the shaft 47 is a slidable pinion 49 adapted to mesh with a spur gear 50. If desired, operating mechanism may be provided for the clutch 42 and the sliding pinion L19 so that when one is connected the other is released. As illustrated, a horizontal transverse shaft 51 is suitably journaled within the base casting 40 and secured to the shaft 51 is a chain sprocket 52 connected by the chain connection S to the truck wheels. Various means may be provided for effecting rotation of the shaft 51 selectively in opposite directions and in the illustrative form disclosed. includes a bevel gear 53 keyed to the hub of the spur gear 43 and meshing with a bevel gear 54 suitably journaled within the base casting. Meshing with the bevel gear 54 is a reverse bevel The bevel gears 53, 55 rotate in oppositie directions and a clutch 56 is provided for alternatively connecting these bevel gears to the shaft 51. From the foregoing descrip tion, it will be evident that when the jaw clutch 42 is shifted to connect the spur gear 41 to the shaft 39, and the pinion 49 is out of mesh with the gear 59, the truck wheels may be driven to propel the apparatus in one direction or the other along the mine trackway at a relatively high transport speed from the motor 18 of the mining machine 3 through the gear train of the mining machine above referred to and chain and sprocket connection 4, 5, 6, friction clutch 9, shaft 7, spur gearing l1, 43, one or the other of the reverse bevels 53, 55, shaft 51, and chain and sprocket connection 52, S connected to the truck wheels It will also be evident that when the jaw clutch 4t2 is in its released position and the spur pinion L19 is slid into meshing engagement with the gear 50, the truck wheels may be `driven to propel the apparatus in one direction or the other along the mine trackway at a relatively slow cutting speed through the reduction gearing 45, 46, 49, 50.

Secured to the shaft 51 is a pulley 57 which drives the belt 1/1 connected to the conductor reel 13. It will thus `be seen that as the truck moves forwardly along the trackway at either a relatively high speed or a relatively low speed, the conductor reel is rotated to pay out the conductor cable at corresponding speeds. As the truck moves rearwardly along the trackway at either speed, the conductor cable is automatically wound in by the conductor reel.

ln the operation of the improved machine, when it is desired to unload the machine at a place, as on a bench, it is only necessary to disconnect the chain connection 5 whereupon, by disposing the flexible feeding member 19 longitudinally of the machine with its front end connected to an anchor at the face and then releasing the latch mechanism 31 and rotating the feeo operating member 2O to draw in the flexible feeding member 19, the machine may be fed olf of the truck and onto the bench. Obviously, if unloading onto the bottom is desired, this may similarly be accomplished, the cutter bar 28 then first engaging the bottom, and the rear end of the machine being unloaded upon blocks, skids or the like. Conversely when it is desired to load the machine upon the trucli from a bench, by connecting the member 19 to an abutment 58 on the truck and reversely operating the member 20, the machine will move back on the truck, while if loading from the bottom is desired, the same result may be obtained after the use of blocks, skids, etc., to elevate the rear end of the machine into position, permitting it to slide .on the truck. Whenever the machine is loaded and the connection 5 remade, the whole apparatus is of course ready to be moved to another place under its own power. Should however, it be desired to out a place in front f of the machine, as for instance in a room or entry, the machine is simply left on the truck and the cutter bar utilized as shown in Figs. 5 or 6, the guide 22 then being preferably removed. For example, if it is desired to extend the entry o-r room with parallel ribs, the cutter bar may be swung into what may be called its mid-lateral position, wherein its locking pin 26 is engaged in one of the openings 28l and the cutter bar is thus locked in that position, whereupon by connection with the flexible feeding member 19 to a suitable anchor at the face, the machine may be moved forward at a cutting speed to make its entering or sumping cut indicated. After this cut has been completed and the cutter bar has been moved as far as possible into the coal, i. e., until the front head substantially abuts against the face, the pin 26 may be withdrawn and the feed member 19 then connected to an abutment 59 on the cutter bar to swing the latter from its position just described to a. reverse position to effect the` transverse cut. Then this position is reached, by again inserting the pin in the opposite opening 2S and extending the feed member 19 rearmay be moved rearwardly to effect a rearward rectilinear cut. lf, on the contrary, a circular cut is required, this may be effected as shown in Fig. 6, by simpl' removing they pin 26, adjusting the bar into the lateral po-V sition shown in Fig. 6 and then connecting the member 19 to the abutment 59 and swinging the cutter bar through an arc to the opposite position indicated in that figure. lf it is desired to make a longwall cut, it is only necessary to swing the cutter bar to one of its lateral positions under the face by connecting the member 19 to the bar abutment 59 and then, after the bar has been locked in position by the insertion of its pin 25, extend the flexible yfeeding member 19 in rear of the machine about the guide member 60 as shown, to a suitable anchor located at the rear of the apparatus and upon starting the feed operating member 20, cause the apparatus to move bodily along the face at a cutting speed to effect a longwall cut. instead of utilizing the flexible feed member 19 for feeding the apparatus forwardly and rearwardly along the mine trackway during the cutting operation or while moving about th e mine, the truck wheel driving mechanism described above may be employed, the truck wheels being driven from the motor of the mining machine 3 through the truck driving mechanism at either a relatively low cutting speed or a relatively high transport speed.

As a result of the improvement it will be observed that an ordinary bottom cutting machine may be unloaded and made capable of use in room and pillar cutting on the bottom in the usual manner, the swing of the arm 22 then being utilized, or of use in longwall cutting on the bottom in the usual manner, the

swing arm 22 then being removed from thev side of the machine adjacent the face or entirely removed from the machine as may seem desirable; while it will further be observer that the same machine may be made adapted to cut rooms or entries in advance of the machine with either rectilinear swinging or simple swinging movements and while the machine is mounted upon its truck, or to use as a mounted longwall cutter cutting on either side of the trackway while moving along the latter and supplied with current from its usual reeling mechanism. Herein, of course, it will also be evident that if desired, instead of utilizing the flexible feeding means as the means for effecting movement of the apparatus during longwall or rectilinear cutting, this movement may be effected by suitably proportioning the truck wheel drive in such manner as to enable the machine to be fed at the desired slow or cutting speed relative to the trackway. lt will be evident that as the truck drive includes the friction clutch 9 on ed to be drawn in thereby and connectible to said bar to effect'bar swing, a wheeled truck to which said machine unit is fixed in such position as to permit free vswinging of said bar across the end thereof, and truck wheel driving mechanism driven by said mining machine comprising a train branching from the driving train for said feed operating member at a point between the latter and the machine motor and including a manually controllable friction device extraneous to .the driving train for said feed operating member to eect longitudinal movement of said machine at a predetermined slow cutting speed or at a high transport speed.

7. In a mining apparatus, a unitary mining machine of the type normally slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom during its operation, said machine having a pivoted cutter bar swingable in a horizontal plane and having provision for being held in opposite acute angled positions relative to themachine, a

' power driven feed operating member, and a flexible member adapted to be actuated by the latter and connectible to said bar to effect bar swing, a wheeled truck to which said machine unit is fixed in such position as to permit free swinging of said bar relative to the end thereof, and truck wheel driving 1 mechanism driven by said mining machine comprising a train separate from the driving train for said feed operating member including' a manually controllable friction device individual to said separate train to provide a predetermined slow cutting speed or a fast transport speed for the apparatus.`

8. ln a mining apparatus, a unitary mining machine of the type normally slidable on its' bot-tom on the mine bottom during its operation, ysaid machine having a pivoted cutter bar swingable in a horizpntal plane and adaptedv to be held in opposite acute angled positions relative to the machine, a power driven feed operating member, .and a flexible member adapted to be drawn in thereby and connectible to said bar to eect bar swing, a wheeled truck to which said machine unit is fixed in such position as to permit free swinging of said bar relative to 9 the end thereof, and truck wheel driving mechanism driven by said mining machine for effecting movement of the apparatus along a traclrway at different speeds including a predetermined slow cutting speed and comprising a train separate from the driving train for said feed operating member including a manually controllable friction 'device to control the rate of track movement, said friction device being carried onV said truck externally of said machine.

9. ln a mining apparatus, a unitary mining machine of the type normally slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom during its operation, said machine having a pivoted cutter bar adapted to be swung about its pivot in a horizontal plane and held in opposite acute angled positions relative to the machine, a power driven feed operating member, a exible member actuated by the latter and connectible at will to said bar to edect bar swing or to an external abutment to effect bodily feeding movement of the machine, a wheeled truck to which said machine unit is fixed in such position as to permit free swinging of said har across the end thereof, and trucl-i wheel driving mechanism driven by said mining machine comprising a train separate from the driving train for said feed operating member and including a manually controllable friction device to obtain a predeterm'. ed slow cutting speed or a fast transport speed of said truclr, said friction device being carried on said truck externally of said machine and being` operatively connected through separate flexible connections to said machine and to said truck wheels.

l0. ln a mining apparatus, a unitary mining machine of the type normally slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom during its operation, said machine having a pivoted cutter bar adapted to he swung by power and heldin different positions and means adapted to feed the machine bodily during cutting, a wheeled truclr to which said machine unit is fixed during cutting having' provision to permit free swinging of said cutter bar while cutting on the truck, and truck wheel driving means driven by said machine unit comprising a truck wheel driving train including a friction device extraneous to said machine unit, said truck wheel driving means being` manually controllable to control truck speed is mounted having provision for permitting` free swinging movement of said cutter bar, andtrucli wheel driving means driven by the machine unit including a terminal driving element on the machine, transmission con-- nections between said terminal element and the truck wheels, and afriction clutch eX- ;ternal to said machine and interposed in said.

connections between said terminal element and the truck wheels for controlling move-- ment of the apparatus along a trackway both during transport and the cutting operation.

12. In a mining apparatus, a unitary mining machine of the type normally slidable onA its bottom on the mine bottom during its operation, said machine having a pivoted cutter bar adapted to be swung about its pivotl in a horizontal plane and held in different. positions, power operated meails including a flexible element connectible at will to said cutter bar to swing the lat-ter or to an external abutment to eliect feeding of the machine, a wheeled truck on which said machine is mounted having provision for permitting free :swinging` movement of said cutter bar, and truck wheel driving mechanism driven by the machine including a terminal driving element. on the machine, connections between said driving element and the truck wheels, and a friction clutch external to said machine and interposed in said connections between said terminal element and the truck wheels for controlling movement of he apparatus along a trackway both during transport and thecuttin operation.

13. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck having means adapted to receive a mining machine, a self-contained mining machine of the type adapted to normally operatev on its own bottom directly on the mine bottom during cutting supported on said truck and includinga pivoted cutter bar and a` motor for driving the same, and self-contained mechanism on said truck entirely separate from the mining machine and mounted independently of the latter on the truck and driven from said mining machine motor for driving the truck wheels at a predetermined slow cutting speed.

14. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck having means adapted to receive a mining machine, a self-contained mining machine supported on said truck of the type adapted to operate normally on its own bottom directly on the mine bottom during cutting and including a pivoted cutter bar and a driving motor, and self-contained mechanism on the truck entirely separate from the mining machine and mounted independently of the latter on the truck and driven by said motor for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine trackway at a plurality of predetermined speeds including a relatively slow cutting speed.

15. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck having means adapted to receive a mining machine, a. self-contained mining machine on said truck of the bottom cutting type 'normallyslidable on its own bottom directly -on the mine bottom during the cutting operation and having a motor and mechanism for yoperating said machine as a mounted track Yguided cutter including a plural predetermined speed truck wheel driving mechanism -driven by the machine motor and supported wholly on the truck extraneous of the machine for driving the truck wheels to propel vthe apparatus alongr the mine trackway at a relatively low cutting speed and a relatively high transport speed.

16. In a mining apparatus, a transport 'truck having vmeans adapted to receive a .mining machine, a self-contained mining machine supported on said truck of the type :adapted to operate normally on its own botvtom directly on the mine` bottom during cutting and having feeding and cutting mechanisms and a driving motor therefor, and self- Icontained mechanism on sai-d truck extravneous of the machine and mounted independently of the latter on the truck and driven by said motor independently of said feeding mechanism for driving the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine trackvway at a relatively low predetermined cutting speed.

17. VIn a mining apparatus, a transport truck adapted to receive a mining machine, a. vself-contained mining machine on said truck ofthe bottom cutting type normally slidable lon its ownfbottom directly on the mine bottom yduring the cutting operation and having a motor, andself-contained mechanism permanently mounted on the truck and supported entirely separate from the mining machine and driven by the machine motor for effecting drive of the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine trackway at a relatively slow predetermined cutting speed.

`18. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck adapted to receive a mining machine, a self-contained mining machine on said truck of the bottom cutting type normally slidable on its own bottom directly on the mine bottom. during the cutting operation and having a motor, and self-contained mechanism permanently mounted on the truck and supported entirely separate from the mining machine and driven by the machine motor for effecting drive of the truck wheels to propel the apparatus along the mine trackway at a relatively slow predetermined cutting speed and at a relatively high transport speed.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

CHARLES F. OSGOOD. 

